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NRCS International Scientific & Technical Exchanges
Purpose
The goal of the NRCS Scientific Cooperation Program is to
improve the capacity for wise use of natural resources in this country and in
the exchange country. Proposals are solicited in all areas of natural resource
management in which NRCS is involved. Exchanges may be exploratory in nature;
may further develop existing knowledge and scientific expertise; or may
emphasize applied technology, rather than pure research. In all cases, exchanges
are goal oriented.
NRCS also participates in the USDA Scientific and Technical Cooperation Program.
Who Can Participate
All NRCS employees are encouraged to participate in the Program.
Program Administration
The International Programs Division (IPD) administers the
Program. The following areas are of interest to NRCS, not necessarily
listed in priority order:
- Environmental/Water Quality
- Forestry and Grazing Lands
- Plant Materials
- Resource Conservation and Development
- Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting
- Soil Survey
- Watershed Protection/Flood Prevention
- Watershed Surveys and Planning
- Wetlands and Wildlife Habitat
Selection Criteria
- Degree to which the proposal addresses a topic that
supports the NRCS mission
- Potential benefit to NRCS and the ability to transfer
technology gained
- Potential to develop into a long-term (3 to 5 year)
cooperative program
- Participation ratio between NHQ, Regions, and States
- Representation of underrepresented groups or
disciplines
- Cooperative effort as needed with other agencies,
universities, institutions
- Geographic distribution
Responsibilities
Employee:
- Notify supervisor of intent to develop and submit
proposal
- Identify subject area of proposal and country of
interest
- Establish contacts with counterparts in foreign country
to initiate interest
- Clarify mutual participation in exchange, establish
mutual goals, and identify dates for implementation
- Develop proposal using standard format which is
available from NRCS/IPD
- Submit completed proposal to NRCS/IPD
NRCS/IPD:
- Select proposals according to NRCS selection criteria shown above
- Select additional proposals for NRCS internal funding
- Assist with identification of team members to participate in exchanges
- Secure NRCS clearances
- Monitor logistical arrangements
- Maintain proposals in a reconsideration file for three years
- Issue call for proposals when on-hand proposals are low
- Provide advice on preparation of proposals
Final Processing
After proposals have been selected against the appropriate criteria, they are
processed through the normal NRCS approval procedures.
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