Applied Science Program Cooperative Agreements Related to Coal Mining and Reclamation | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) offered through its Applied Science Program. The funding is provided as a cooperative agreement under Funding Opportunity Number DOI SM 255 10 (CFDA 15.255) to support science and technology projects tied directly to coal mining and post-mining land reclamation in the United States and its territories.

2) What type of funding instrument is being used?

OSM is using a cooperative agreement. This means OSM expects substantial involvement in funded projects (for example, coordination, technical input, or oversight), rather than a fully hands-off grant relationship.

3) What kinds of projects does the program support?

The solicitation is organized into two tracks:

• Applied Science Projects: Projects that develop and demonstrate improved tools, methods, or technologies to address public safety risks and environmental problems associated with coal extraction and reclamation of disturbed lands.
• Mine Map Projects: Projects that collect, preserve, and convert underground coal mine maps into digital formats for practical safety and engineering needs, including protecting public and miner safety, evaluating mine pools, and investigating or preventing mine subsidence in areas with legacy underground mining.

4) What is the main focus area for all projects?

All proposed work must be focused on coal mining-related issues within the United States or its territories. Projects are expected to align with domestic mining conditions and related safety, environmental, and regulatory priorities.

5) Who is eligible to apply for Applied Science Projects?

Eligibility for Applied Science Projects is broad. Public or private entities, nonprofits, state and local governments, Tribal governments, and U.S.-based colleges and universities may apply, as long as they are located in the United States.

6) Who is eligible to apply for Mine Map Projects?

Eligibility for Mine Map Projects is narrower. Applicants must be a U.S. state agency, an Indian Tribal agency, or a U.S. territory.

7) How many awards does OSM expect to make?

OSM anticipated making approximately 10 awards under this solicitation.

8) How much total funding is available under this opportunity?

The total estimated funding for the opportunity is about $1.4 million.

9) What is the minimum and maximum award size?

Individual awards are expected to range from $25,000 (floor) to $200,000 (ceiling).

10) Is there a cap on how much an applicant can request?

Yes. Applicants are told to request no more than the maximum amount established for the year (the award ceiling of $200,000).

11) Does the project have to be completed within a specific time frame?

The solicitation indicates applicants should propose work that can be fully completed using only the funds awarded in the current fiscal year. The program limits awards to projects that do not require additional OSM funding beyond that year.

12) Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required for either track.

13) If cost sharing is not required, why include it?

OSM encourages cost sharing and indicates that proposals including cost share may receive a scoring advantage during the review process. This effectively rewards applicants who can bring matching funds, in-kind support, or partner contributions, even though proposals without cost share may still be submitted.

14) What are the application deadlines for Applied Science Projects?

Applied Science Project applications were due during the window from October 1, 2009 through January 15, 2010.

15) What are the application deadlines for Mine Map Projects?

Mine Map Project applications were due during the window from October 15, 2009 through February 5, 2010. The current closing date shown is February 5, 2010, reflecting the mine map deadline.

16) Where can applicants find more detailed program materials and instructions?

OSM referenced additional information and program materials at: http://www.techtransfer.osmre.gov/NTTMainSite/appliedscience.htm

17) Who can be contacted for help accessing the full announcement?

The listed point of contact is Renata Garris, Program Specialist (Grants), at 202-208-2747.

18) What funding category does this opportunity fall under?

The funding category is listed as science and technology and other research and development.

19) Are projects limited to coal-related work only?

Yes. The opportunity is specifically for projects tied directly to coal mining and post-mining land reclamation, including coal extraction-related public safety and environmental issues, and (for the mine map track) the preservation and digitization of underground coal mine maps for safety and engineering uses.

20) What are examples of the practical uses of digitized mine maps mentioned in the solicitation?

The solicitation highlights that digitized underground coal mine maps can be used to protect public and miner safety, evaluate mine pools, and investigate or prevent mine subsidence in areas with legacy underground mining.