The following table represents the general timeline for SSP activities from RFP to completion. Please note that these dates are targets, as there are many players involved in this process and much is reliant on the timing of federal appropriations. Please refer to the appropriate RFP for specific dates within each FWS Region.
Feb |
The planning process for SSP begins early in the calendar year when each Fish and Wildlife Service Region issues an internal call for research and technical assistance needs. This call typically coincides with the Quick Response Program call for proposals. At this time FWS Project Officers identify their research needs and locate potential USGS investigators. USGS staff will be informed of this call, although they are not expected to respond unless contacted by FWS to work as a PI. |
Feb-June |
After identifying an investigator for the activity, the Project Officer and PI jointly develop research proposals, including estimated funding needs (download proposal template, .doc format, .rtf format). PIs are responsible for ensuring that proposals meet local USGS review policies. |
June |
FWS Project officers submit their completed proposal to the appropriate FWS Regional Office. |
| By Aug 17 |
FWS Regional Offices review all submissions and make recommendations for funding to USGS National SSP Coordinator. |
| By Sept 1 |
USGS National SSP Coordinator reviews all recommended proposals, ensuring they fit the scope of SSP, and verifies that total request for SSP funds does not exceed those available. Clarifies any questions with FWS and PI. |
| On or About Oct 1 |
Notifies USGS Regions and Centers of approved proposals and next steps. FWS Regions are copied on notification. |
Upon Notification of Award |
USGS PIs and FWS Project officers develop detailed study plans, including methods, schedule, and products required. Activities which are considered 100% technical assistance DO NOT require a study plan in addition to the proposal. In the event that an activity includes both research and technical assistance components, a study plan will be needed for the research portion. Based on local policies, the PI submits his/her study plan and budget to center/coop unit for peer review. Plan is revised if needed. |
Upon Plan Approval |
Approved study plans are submitted to National Staff in Reston. Electronic formats are preferred, although hard copy is also acceptable. Submissions must include some indication of plan approval. For electronic submissions, this may be in the form a scanned or faxed copy of a signed approval form, or an email from the approving official stating that the plan is approved. See Funding Process section for further details. |
Upon Plan Receipt |
USGS SSP staff distributes funds and assigns a BASIS+ subtask number. All SSP activities are part of BASIS+ project 3210APN. Each Center has it's own Task under this project. Each individual SSP activity will be a Subtask under this project. |
| Periodically |
SSP Coordinator will remind Centers and Regions of study plans which have not been received in Reston. |
| For Duration of Plan |
The PI conducts the study in accordance with the plan, maintaining regular communication with the FWS Project Officer. For multi-year projects, written annual (at minimum) reports should be included in the study plan. |
| Completion of Activity |
Timely and usable final products are delivered to FWS Project Officer with copies supplied to BRD National Staff in Reston. |
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
Approval Process and Timeline