Notice of Itent - Precambrian-aged Iron Oxide, Copper, Gold and Iron Oxide Apatite and Rare Earth Element Mineral Resources | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior (DOI) notice of intent to make a single, targeted cooperative agreement award. The intent is to support a specific scientific research and development project focused on mineral systems in Precambrian-aged rocks in the midcontinent region of the United States.

Which federal agency is offering the opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the Department of the Interior - U.S. Geological Survey (DOI-USGS).

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is USGS 16 FA 0061.

What type of funding is this (competitive vs. targeted)?

It is a targeted opportunity described as a notice of intent to make a single award to a specified recipient, rather than an open, broadly competitive solicitation.

What is the funding instrument?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

Based on the description provided, a cooperative agreement generally indicates substantial involvement by the federal agency (USGS) in carrying out the work compared with a standard grant.

How is the opportunity categorized (activity type)?

The activity category is listed as "Science and Technology and other Research and Development."

Is this discretionary funding?

Yes. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.

What is the CFDA (Assistance Listing) number?

The associated CFDA (assistance listing) number is 15.808.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to state governments.

Is a specific organization named as the intended recipient?

Yes. The notice is explicitly directed to the Missouri Geological Survey (within the Missouri Department of Natural Resources) as the intended recipient.

How many awards are expected?

The expected number of awards is one.

What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $66,000.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was created and posted on February 26, 2016.

What is the application closing date?

The closing date is March 11, 2016. The information provided indicates the original and current closing dates are the same.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project focus is scientific research and development intended to improve understanding of certain mineral systems in very old (Precambrian-aged) rocks in the U.S. midcontinent. In practical terms, the work is meant to strengthen the geologic knowledge base about where these mineral resources occur, what host rocks they are associated with, and how they formed, to help inform future assessments of mineral potential and resource characterization in the region.

What types of mineral systems are the technical focus?

The technical emphasis is on two related deposit groups: iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) systems and iron oxide apatite (IOA) systems that can be associated with rare earth elements (REE).

What are IOCG deposits in the context of this opportunity?

IOCG deposits are described as typically characterized by iron oxide-rich alteration and may contain economically important concentrations of copper and gold.

What are IOA deposits in the context of this opportunity?

IOA deposits are described as often iron- and apatite-rich and can be linked to critical minerals such as rare earth elements (REE).

Why are rare earth elements (REE) mentioned?

The notice indicates that IOA systems can be associated with REE, which are described as critical minerals. The research is intended to improve understanding of these mineral resources and their geologic settings.

What does the notice say about the research themes or questions?

The notice highlights research into the "origin and character" of the mineral resources and their host rocks, with an emphasis on better defining the controls on mineralization in Precambrian terranes of the U.S. midcontinent.

What kinds of scientific work are implied by the description?

The description implies studies that may include geologic mapping, petrologic and geochemical characterization, interpretation of mineralizing processes, and integration of regional data to better define controls on mineralization in Precambrian terranes of the midcontinent.

What region does this work focus on?

The work focuses on the midcontinent region of the United States, specifically on Precambrian terranes and their associated mineral systems.

What rock ages or geologic time period are emphasized?

The opportunity emphasizes very old, Precambrian-aged rocks.

What is the practical outcome USGS is aiming for?

The practical intent is to strengthen the regional geologic knowledge base in ways that help inform future mineral potential assessments and resource characterization efforts in the midcontinent.

Is this opportunity intended to fund more than one recipient or multiple projects?

No. The notice indicates a single targeted award is expected, with one anticipated recipient and one expected award.

Does the information provided describe specific required deliverables?

No specific deliverables are listed in the provided information beyond the general research focus on improving understanding of IOCG and IOA/REE systems, their host rocks, and mineralizing processes.

Does the information provided indicate whether the project is field-based, lab-based, or both?

The information does not explicitly require a particular approach, but it implies a combination of methods (for example, mapping and characterization) that could involve both field and laboratory work.

What is the relationship between IOCG and IOA systems in this notice?

The notice describes IOCG and IOA as two related deposit groups and emphasizes research aimed at understanding their origin, character, and geologic controls within Precambrian terranes of the midcontinent.