Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Procurement and Contracts, Mail Stop 205A, Room 6A331, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 22092

T -- FGDC NATIONAL SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE (NSDI) COMPETITIVE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS PROGRAM SOL 8187 DUE 032996 POC Ms. Brenda Croston (703) 648-7361 (contact) Ms. Kathy Craig (703) 648- 7357 (CO) The FGDC invites proposals to facilitate and foster partnerships and alliances within and among various public and private entities to assist in building the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Activities initiated under this program will promote access to data sets that are needed for national, regional, state, and local analyses. Under this FY 1996 program announcement, proposals are to be directed towards four components of the NSDI. The first component deals with creation of a distributed clearinghouse for finding and accessing geospatial data. Efforts applicable under this component include creating (inventory, evaluate, catalog data, and establish Internet access) and managing a node on the National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse that provides users with a means for finding, accessing, and sharing data. The second component involves development and promulgation of the use of standards in data collection, documentation, transfer, and search and query. Applicable efforts involve conducting programs to increase user comprehension and adoption of the FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata and the Spatial Data Transfer Standard; and stimulating the development of applicable geospatial data standards in partnership with the FGDC Subcommittees and Working Groups. The third component focuses on the initial implementation of creating a geospatial data framework that provides a base on which to collect, register, or integrate information accurately. Applicable efforts include conducting feasibility projects for implementing technical and institutional aspects of the framework; and, expanding programs or projects to incorporate data content, technical, operational, and business characteristics of the framework. The fourth component addresses developing and implementing educational outreach programs to increase awareness and understanding of the major NSDI components among members of the broader community. Applicable efforts involve providing programs and services to educate and train constituents on the purpose, benefits, and application of NSDI initiatives, networks, and standards. The program announcement and application forms are expected to be available on or about February 1, 1996. Applications must be received on or before March 29, 1996. Copies of Program Announcement No. 8187 must be requested in writing to: Ms. Kathleen Craig, Contracting Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., MS 205A, Reston, VA 22092. Requests may be made via facsimile at (703) 648-7901. Telephone confirmation is advised by phoning (703) 648-7361. Applications may be submitted by State and local government agencies, educational institutions, private firms, private foundations, and Federally acknowledged or state- recognized Native American tribes or groups. No telephone requests for this solicitation package will be accepted. (0023)

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