[Federal Register: January 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 14)] [Notices] [Page 3540-3541] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr22ja99-99] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 . 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