The document outlines the Proposal Information Summary Template for the USGS National Ground-Water Monitoring Network Cooperative Agreement. It serves as a guideline for applicants to detail their project proposals for federal funding. Key sections include the project title, principal investigator, institutional representative, amount of funding requested, proposed start date and duration, data provider status, objectives with funding breakdown, and the indirect rate used in budget proposals. Applicants must also specify whether they are an existing data provider or seeking to become a new one. The proposal aims to systematically collect pertinent details for assessing and processing funding requests while ensuring compliance with administrative requirements for initiating water monitoring projects. This structured approach facilitates clarity and consistency in applicant submissions, promoting effective collaboration between federal and local entities in managing ground-water resources.

The document outlines example budgets for two hypothetical projects related to the National Groundwater Monitoring Network (NGWMN), encompassing diverse project objectives. Each budget example details the allocation of federal and in-kind funding across various categories such as salaries, fringe benefits, supplies, equipment, travel, and contractual services. The first example focuses on a new data provider with two primary objectives, accumulating a total cost of approximately $47,612.80. The second example details a more complex project involving an existing data provider, spanning six objectives, with a total cost of about $155,042.06. This budget showcases higher granularity, addressing indirect costs at a 31.3% rate and incorporating contingencies for contracts. Both budgets follow the SF 424-A format, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines for grants and RFPs. By outlining detailed funding sources and salary structures, the document serves to instruct government agencies on preparing comprehensive budget proposals for funding considerations.

The document outlines a proposal checklist for agencies applying to the National Ground Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) program. It addresses comprehensive requirements for submissions, including proofreading, budget accuracy, eligibility criteria, project timelines, and detailed mappings of project sites. Key highlights include requirements for a well-structured proposal in PDF format, proof of qualifications of staff, and justification of project needs. Specific focus is on data delivery, site classification, and monitoring networks. Notably, agencies must demonstrate that proposed sites are registered with NGWMN and reflect on how new data will enhance existing networks. The proposal must avoid requesting federal funds for routine data activities while emphasizing the need for collaboration with local agencies, supported by letters of endorsement. Overall, the checklist serves as a guideline to ensure detailed, clear, and compliant submissions that align with the broader objectives of enhancing groundwater monitoring and management across multiple jurisdictions.

The document outlines the terms and conditions associated with federal financial assistance awards from the Department of the Interior (DOI) for the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN). It emphasizes the responsibility of award recipients to comply with these stipulations, which address the USGS's substantial involvement in project execution, funding details, reporting requirements, and intellectual property rights, especially concerning geospatial data and patent rights. Key elements include the processes for progress and final reports, detailing work performed and results obtained, along with financial reporting obligations. Recipients are required to acknowledge USGS support in all publications and adhere to guidelines for data availability and conflict of interest. The document also stipulates regulations regarding the use of government-furnished equipment and the need for prior approvals for budget modifications. Additionally, the document emphasizes the importance of research integrity and data accessibility, ensuring that findings can be used for governmental purposes. The overarching goal is to foster data consistency and transparency while promoting robust collaboration between the USGS and award recipients in enhancing the NGWMN data services. In essence, it serves as a comprehensive guide for compliance and collaboration in federal grant management.