[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 14 (Friday, January 22, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3540-3541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-1488]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Geological Survey


Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC); Application Notice 
Announcing the Opening Date for Transmittal of Applications Under the 
FGDC National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Cooperative Agreements 
Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 1999

AGENCY: U.S. Geological Survey, Interior.

ACTION: Notice inviting applications for the NSDI Cooperative 
Agreements Program awards for Fiscal Year 1999, with performance to 
begin in August, 1999.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of the FGDC National Spatial Data Infrastructure 
(NSDI) Cooperative Agreements Program is to facilitate and foster 
partnerships and alliances within and among various public and private 
entities to assist in building the NSDI. The initiative to build the 
NSDI was launched in 1994 by Executive Order 12906 to advance the 
nation's capacity to develop, use, share and disseminate geospatial 
data. The NSDI is the term used to describe the linking together of the 
array of technologies, spatial data, public policies, people and 
institutions needed to put current and accurate geographic data into 
the hands of citizens and decision-makers.
    The Cooperative Agreements Program funds projects focused on 
promoting metadata collection and creating clearinghouses of geographic 
data linked to the Internet, and advancing the NSDI through education.
    Applications may be submitted by Federal agencies, State and local 
government agencies, educational institutions, private firms, private 
foundations, non-profit organizations, and Federally acknowledged or 
state-recognized Native American tribes or groups. Authority for this 
program is contained in the Organic Act of March

[[Page 3541]]

3, 1879, 43 U.S.C. 31 and Executive Order 12906.

DATES: The Program Announcement and application forms for this program 
are expected to be available on or about February 1, 1999. Applications 
must be received on or before March 2, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Copies of Program Announcement No. 99HQPA0005 for the NSDI 
Cooperative Agreements Program may be obtained through the Internet at 
<www.usgs.gov/contracts/index.html>. Copies of the Program Announcement 
may also be obtained by writing to: Ms. Karen Staubs, U.S. Geological 
Survey, Office of Acquisition and Federal Assistance, Mail Stop 205B, 
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192, (703) 648-7372, FAX 
(703) 648-7901. Requests for paper copy must be in writing. Telephonic 
requests will not be honored.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For the NSDI Cooperative Agreements 
Program contact Ms. Kathleen Craig, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of 
Acquisition and Federal Assistance, Mail Stop 205B, 12201 Sunrise 
Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192; (703) 648-7357, fax (703) 648-
7901.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the NSDI Cooperative Agreements 
Program proposals are to be directed towards either of two types of 
effort. The first is the creation of descriptions (metadata) of 
`framework' digital geospatial data sets and serving those descriptions 
for search and retrieval through the distributed, electronically 
connected network of public internet-based clearinghouses--the National 
Spatial Data Infrastructure National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse. The 
second type of effort is providing clearinghouse/metadata technical 
assistance to organizations to enable the documentation and serving of 
metadata for `framework' data. The geographic data themes known as 
`framework' data are transportation, hydrography, elevation, digital 
orthoimagery, government boundaries, geodetic control, and cadastral 
information.

    Dated: January 12, 1999.
Richard E. Witmer,
Chief, National Mapping Division.
[FR Doc. 99-1488 Filed 1-21-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-Y7-M